Political attitudes and activities of hard-money investors: Manifestations of the religious right

Author

Watson, Patrick Wayne

Date

1990

Advisor

Alford, John R.

Degree

Master of Arts

Abstract

This thesis surveys subscribers to an investment newsletter to determine whether they comprise an interest group. Hypothetically, staunch conservatives and "New Christian Right" members were expected. The data provides limited support. Respondents are generally conservative with a significant number of libertarians. Committed Christian respondents are influenced by religion on social issues like abortion, but not on other issues like gun control. Respondents feel closer to conservative groups than liberal groups. They rely for their information on conservative publications, and watch network news programs several times a week. Conservatives have high approval of Reagan, but libertarians do not. Respondents are politically more active than the general population, but prefer private activity such as donations to public activity such as campaign work. There may be two distinct groups: conservative Christians and secular libertarians.